2014
Following Jesus: Be Encouraging
May 2014


“Following Jesus: Be Encouraging,” Friend, May 2014, 26

Following Jesus

Be Encouraging

Following Jesus: Be Encouraging

What Jesus Taught

After He was resurrected, Jesus visited some of His disciples. One of the disciples, named Thomas, wasn’t there, and he didn’t believe that Jesus had actually risen from the dead.

Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again. Jesus knew Thomas was having a hard time believing, so He invited Thomas to touch His hands and side to see that He was real. Then He said, “Be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). Jesus helped Thomas have greater faith.

Following Jesus Today

My friends and I were doing a play. There was a girl nobody talked to. My friend said something mean about her, and I did too. I felt really bad about it. The next day my friend made fun of her again. I said, “Maybe she needs a friend.” I went and talked to her. I told her she was doing a good job. She smiled for the rest of practice. I was glad I could make her day a little brighter.

Lauren C., age 11, Utah, USA

One morning at school, I noticed a boy from my class wandering on the sidewalk. This boy has autism, and I was afraid he did not know where to go. I told my friend to come with me. I made sure he stayed with me all the way to class. When we got there, he said, “Thank you!” I’m glad I could help a friend.

Henry L., age 7, Massachusetts, USA

This Month’s Challenges:

  • Help someone younger with something that is hard for him or her.

  • Compliment someone who is trying hard.

  • Say something encouraging to someone who has made a mistake.

  • I challenge myself to …